Hey there guys, I'm still somewhat new to photography, got my rebel xsi last summer but haven't had a ton of chances to use it due to school and such. But currently I have the kit 18-55 and the 50mm 1.8, but I'm looking for something with more zoom range that is still affordable. I was thinking about the 55-250 because of the range, but the 18-135 also sounds good especially considering I wouldn't have to change lenses, in which case I would sell the 18-55. The 55-250 sounds better because of the longer focal range, but I'm wondering how well you guys think they compare, and how useful I would even find that longer range as a walk around lens? Most of what I would be shooting is just walk-around stuff, friends, buildings, and some birds or squirrels. I probably wouldn't be bringing a tripod, and I'm wondering how well of pictures I would be able to take at 250mm without a tripod, or if it might be too shaky to get a good picture even with the IS.

The two lens option is better then the 18-135. The 18-135 is okay, and has more distortion then the 2 lens of the 18-55 and 55-250. If you were going with the 18-135, I would just go whole hog and go with the 18-200 or even better the tamron 18-270 as long as you do not mind living with a bit of softness and a bit of distortion on the longer end. It is a compromise with the more ranging zooms.